Job Title: Planning Support Officer (Technical & Administrative)

Contract Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Planning Administration & Application Processing

• Register and validate a full range of planning applications accurately and in line with procedures.
  
• Ensure planning documents are properly indexed, named, and published on the Council’s website, with appropriate redaction in line with GDPR requirements.
  
• Record all fees received and generate receipts accurately.
  

Document & Data Management

• Maintain electronic and paper-based document management systems, ensuring accurate filing and retrieval of records, including historic applications.
  
• Manage and maintain property/site records within planning systems, ensuring accuracy and alignment with central databases.
  
• Support data cleansing and ensure accuracy of spatial and textual information.
  

Customer Service & Communications

• Manage and respond to enquiries received via planning service email inboxes and other communication channels.
  
• Provide clear guidance or signpost customers to relevant services and information.
  
• Maintain high standards of communication with residents, developers, elected members, and stakeholders.
  

Duty Planner & Chargeable Services

• Administer the Duty Planner service, including booking appointments, preparing documentation, and taking payments.
  
• Promote pre-application and chargeable planning services to maximize service income.
  

Local Land Charges & Research

• Research and draft local land charge search results.
  
• Maintain and update the Local Land Charges Register accurately in line with statutory requirements.
  
• Process search requests and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
  

Consultation & Planning Support

• Support consultation processes with neighbours, members, and statutory consultees.
  
• Process correspondence, including objections and representations, ensuring accurate recording.
  
• Issue acknowledgements, notifications, and committee communications.
  

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure performance targets and service standards are met.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and service delivery.
  
• Contribute to updating planning service web content.
  

Additional Duties

• Support data collection activities such as Starts and Completions monitoring.
  
• Create purchase orders and process invoices using financial systems (e.g., Oracle).
  
• Provide support to managers and contribute to wider projects and initiatives.
  
• Assist with training and mentoring new team members.
  

Experience Required

• Experience in an administrative or business support role, ideally within planning or a local authority environment.
  
• Experience working with document management systems and handling large volumes of data accurately.
  
• Experience dealing with customer enquiries and providing high-quality customer service.
  
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information in line with GDPR.
  
• Experience working to deadlines and managing competing priorities.
  

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
  
• Relevant administrative or business support qualification (desirable).
  

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail.
  
• Good understanding of planning processes (desirable).
  
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection principles.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
  
• Ability to interpret information and provide clear advice or responses.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  

Key Competencies

• Customer-focused approach
  
• Accuracy and attention to detail
  
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills
  
• Problem-solving and initiative
  
• Adaptability and flexibility
  
• Professionalism and integrity
  

Additional Requirements

• We pay on a bi-weekly basis
  
• Working hours per week: 35
  
• Location: Catford